Telerecord chooses Sony HD technology

 

Milan, June 9, 2005 – High Definition is already successful in many countries and there are clear signs that this standard will help re-launch the TV production sector in Europe too, as broadcasters increasingly embrace the new technology. This phenomenon is being “led” largely by demand from end-consumers: the rapid spread of new-generation LCD and plasma screens demonstrates the desire of viewers to watch programmes with a higher definition and quality than was possible under the old standard. As a result, a growing number of European broadcasters are assessing the possibilities offered by the new technology and demand for the HD recording of sports and other live events is climbing steadily.

Against this background, the choice made by Telerecord, a service provider for TV productions, represents a strong signal for the Italian market. Indeed, the decision to upgrade Outside Broadcast Van “18” demonstrates this firm’s wish to be a precursor, thus taking a strategic position within this new world.

Sony’s Professional Service group – specialized in the design of professional broadcasting systems – and the Telerecord team have worked closely together on the upgrade of this mobile unit, combining their experience in order to complete the work in the shortest possible period of time. In fact, the project was completed in just over one month: the OB Van has been redesigned for the use of HD technology in the high-definition production of sports and other live events, using 12 HDC-950 cameras, one MVS-8000A production switcher and a set of HDW-D2000/1 videorecorders.

 

Giovanni Bertini, founder and president of Telerecord, commented as follows: “Our firm has been involved in outside broadcasting for 30 years and we are proud to state that we have always been leaders in this sector: indeed, we started working with HDTV cameras three years ago. The experience accumulated over this time and the progressive migration of the market towards HD has now convinced us to invest in this new format.”

“Obviously enough, this was not a sudden decision”, continued Bertini, “although it is courageous, consistent with our traditions. Seven years ago, we were the first to invest in the Standard Definition digital format and today we are looking to confirm this leadership. Telerecord is already experienced in working with optical fiber, as used by HDTV cameras, since we have been using SuperMotion systems for some time now. In addition, a HDTV camera has been included within the SD system for the past year and Sony has also supplied us with additional HDTV cameras to trial the recording of sports events. As a result, we have seen that the “end” quality in Standard Definition of HD recording is greatly superior to the pictures generated in SD. This then is why we concluded that the time was right to make this further investment.”

In the words of Walter Fusi, Professional Solutions Division Director at Sony Italia, “We are delighted that Telerecord has decided to move to High Definition with Sony, spearheading a clear trend that has emerged in the world of broadcasting. With this installation, Sony has demonstrated yet again the great care taken to protect the investment of clients: about seven years ago we delivered an OB Van equipped with Sony Standard Definition digital broadcasting; today, Telerecord has been able to upgrade it to High Definition, not least due to the technological continuity guaranteed by Sony. In just 30 days, OB Van 18 was fitted with HD while retaining more than 30% of its pre-existing technology. The structure of the OB Van adapted easily to its upgrade with Sony High Definition systems. The space available and cabling was perfectly compatible with the new HD products, thus ensuring that the vehicle remains fully operational in both SD and HD.”

Giovanni Bertini also confirms this: “The great advantage is that we were able to use the camera control system already installed, without need for any significant modifications to the vehicle”.

The first live HDTV recordings made by OB Van 18 were at the Unplugged Giorgia concert on April 29 last for MTV, the Serie A Siena-Chievo football match on May 15 for Sky, and the final of the Champions League in Istanbul on May 25, also for Sky.